Man cautioned after shop thefts in Gosforth

A man was arrested after a series of shops in Newcastle were targeted by thieves.

Three thefts all took place on Gosforth High Street with groceries stolen each time.

The first happened just after 6pm, on May 14, at Sainsbury’s, at the Gosforth Centre. Then at 4.20pm, on May 22, a theft took place at the Co-op. A third theft took place at the Co-op on June 3.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

He received a caution because it was his first offence and due to the low value of the thefts but police have warned him he faces a court appearance if he continues to steal.

Neighbourhood Inspector Julie Rana said: “Hopefully we’ve been able to nip this in the bud before any more thefts take place, which would have an even greater impact on his life, career, and the retailers he stole from.

“While shoplifting may seem a low level offence, it has a detrimental impact on our communities and those responsible could end up in court.”

Man caught 'lamping' in Ponteland has been fined

A man has been fined after he was caught illegally ‘lamping’ with dogs in Northumberland.

George Carter was caught using the night-time hunting method while trespassing on land at West House Farm, in Medburn, near Ponteland.

At what was a rare case at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, Carter, 41, of Dene Avenue, Lemington, pleaded guilty to one count of entering or being on land where instruments, namely lamps, were used for the purpose of taking or destroying game there by night.

The court heard the charge dates back to the Night Poaching Act 1828. Paul Doney, prosecuting, said the offence happened at around 11pm on January 14.

Carter and two others had driven a Mitsubishi vehicle to the site and then used bright lamps and whippets to hunt rabbits.

But Bert Gibson, defending, said they came back empty-handed. He said: “They didn’t catch anything and they gave up after an hour.”

Carter was fined £35.

Vandals damage car in Widdrington

Brake fluid was thrown on a car in Northumberland, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

Police are appealing for information after a car was damaged at Mary Street in Widdrington.

It happened between midnight and 4am in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, when brake fluid was been thrown over two cars which were parked in the street.

It caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a silver BMW, and a Renault Megane was also damaged.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 466 24/05/14.

Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.